Losing Weight with Starscream

[goalie204]

I think i agree with you there Scott. Although i regret not even having something nice on my birthday now, cuz i am hardcore following this.

They say that the cheat day or cheat meal "tricks" your body and i've read nothing but success stories from those who were strong willed enough to get back on track, but my concern is that as a food addict, 1 meal will turn into 2, and 1 day will turn into getting off track, and it will be too hard to get back.

Anyway, BLEH!

[shilala]

Originally Posted by goalie204

I think i agree with you there Scott. Although i regret not even having something nice on my birthday now, cuz i am hardcore following this.

They say that the cheat day or cheat meal "tricks" your body and i've read nothing but success stories from those who were strong willed enough to get back on track, but my concern is that as a food addict, 1 meal will turn into 2, and 1 day will turn into getting off track, and it will be too hard to get back.

Anyway, BLEH!

Myles, I'm an alcoholic. I haven't had a drink in over 8 years. If I'd have taken a cheat day a week, the only time I'd have ever stopped drinking is when I was in jail.
Everyone who's trying to lose weight isn't a food addict, and that's why I'm ever conscious not to lump everyone together. Some folks just have bad habits. A lot of bad habits are because there's no time to stop for a decent meal, or you don't want to waste good money you just spent at BK by leaving half a Whopper on the seat of the car, or food turns into entertainment because work is so damned boring. That stuff can get changed by developing new habits and can be changed in a real short time. A cheat day wouldn't be productive in developing new habits because that takes time.
On the other hand, if I'm a hard core food addict, a cheat day isn't a good idea for a million reasons.
I've learned a lot of stuff about how my tiny little brain works over the years and found that I can lean on the same stuff that got me sober to fix all kinds of other stuff. It's not any kind of magically deep scientific sh1t, either. Just mostly real good common sense that I failed to pick up along the way.
Point is, lots of the stuff I picked up works across the board, and makes just as much sense for changing bad habits, because that's a great big part of fixing alcoholism/addiction.
I'm always willing to listen to other ideas and approaches to problems, because other folks share really good stuff a LOT. It's why I don't have any "written in stone" thoughts or ideas. I'll take all the help I can get. I need it.

[goalie204]

Originally Posted by shilala

Myles, I'm an alcoholic. I haven't had a drink in over 8 years. If I'd have taken a cheat day a week, the only time I'd have ever stopped drinking is when I was in jail.
Everyone who's trying to lose weight isn't a food addict, and that's why I'm ever conscious not to lump everyone together. Some folks just have bad habits. A lot of bad habits are because there's no time to stop for a decent meal, or you don't want to waste good money you just spent at BK by leaving half a Whopper on the seat of the car, or food turns into entertainment because work is so damned boring. That stuff can get changed by developing new habits and can be changed in a real short time. A cheat day wouldn't be productive in developing new habits because that takes time.
On the other hand, if I'm a hard core food addict, a cheat day isn't a good idea for a million reasons.
I've learned a lot of stuff about how my tiny little brain works over the years and found that I can lean on the same stuff that got me sober to fix all kinds of other stuff. It's not any kind of magically deep scientific sh1t, either. Just mostly real good common sense that I failed to pick up along the way.
Point is, lots of the stuff I picked up works across the board, and makes just as much sense for changing bad habits, because that's a great big part of fixing alcoholism/addiction.
I'm always willing to listen to other ideas and approaches to problems, because other folks share really good stuff a LOT. It's why I don't have any "written in stone" thoughts or ideas. I'll take all the help I can get. I need it.

I was only referring to myself when I said "food addict" - no one else - because i think am one. I quit drugs nearly 4 years ago, but the difference is, I need to eat food everyday, i don't need to do drugs - I have overcome a lot in my life, and my battle with being a fatty is another thing that i will overcome, but when plateauing for weeks at a time, maybe it's time to look at ways to overcome it. I am scared to cheat (meaning, to eat something not on the plan im following) - because i don't know if it will be a slippery slope - so i haven't. The same way i'm scared to do drugs again, because it likely won't lead to a good place.

I too am always willing to listen to advice, suggestions ,help of others - it doesn't mean i'll do what i'm asked, but i'll always listen and consider

[shilala]

Originally Posted by goalie204

I was only referring to myself when I said "food addict" - no one else - because i think am one. I quit drugs nearly 4 years ago, but the difference is, I need to eat food everyday, i don't need to do drugs - I have overcome a lot in my life, and my battle with being a fatty is another thing that i will overcome, but when plateauing for weeks at a time, maybe it's time to look at ways to overcome it. I am scared to cheat (meaning, to eat something not on the plan im following) - because i don't know if it will be a slippery slope - so i haven't. The same way i'm scared to do drugs again, because it likely won't lead to a good place.

I too am always willing to listen to advice, suggestions ,help of others - it doesn't mean i'll do what i'm asked, but i'll always listen and consider

I think you know yourself way better than anyone else, and you're giving yourself a damn good piece of advice, brother.
We do have to eat every day, but guys like you and me like to push the line a bit.

[Da Klugs]

Originally Posted by goalie204

I think i agree with you there Scott. Although i regret not even having something nice on my birthday now, cuz i am hardcore following this.

They say that the cheat day or cheat meal "tricks" your body and i've read nothing but success stories from those who were strong willed enough to get back on track, but my concern is that as a food addict, 1 meal will turn into 2, and 1 day will turn into getting off track, and it will be too hard to get back.

Anyway, BLEH!

I think the definition of "cheat" is what is important. It's a relative thing. If you have adjusted your lifestyle - exercise and consumption to healthy ways then "cheating" should have a different context than in the past.

Having a strawberry shortcake sunday might be a new definition of "cheating" as opposed to in the past eating the entire half gallon of ice cream with the whole jar of fudge and bag of walnuts. It's all about temperance. Not eating the 2000 calorie junk food lunch, eating healthy opens the door to "sweet rewards" occasionally without piling on the pounds. Personally I have certain foods that are "addictive" - potato chips is a good example. Just need to stay away from them as a chip usually leads to a pretty significant portion of a 1 lb bag.

When it comes to a long term weight loss program, I'm not a fan of out of context cheat days. There is no need to consume 4000 calories "because you deserve it". The occasional "rewards" are good stuff. Having a couple slices of pizza cux you miss and love it - yup. Eating the whole thing because you deserve it - nope.

I have "rewarded" over the past 100+ days of my fitness program. Having icecream, a steak etc. Have managed to avoid the "old habit rewards". No french fries, junk food, binge portions, etc. It's a change of context but .. it's all good. Tend to eat a bit less and exercise a bit the day after, which to me seems "right".

Have come to realize that no matter how hard you work out, the strongest thing you have in your arsenal to accomplishing your fitness or weight loss objectives is your mind. It's not absolute. You can fall off the wagon today. Just have the strength to get back on tomorrow with a vengence. After a while you dont fall as often or as far and the changes you make for a healthier life become a normal part of your life.